Malacañang has justified the presence of elected officials during the rollout of cash aid for tricycle drivers, saying their participation did not violate the “anti-epal” provision under the 2026 national budget.

In her press briefing on Monday, March 23, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said the officials attended the event in their official capacities as hosts and representatives of local government units (LGUs).

“Iyon po kasi ay isang event na kung saan ay pinuntahan po ng Pangulo at kinakailangan po nandodoon po ang host (That was an event attended by the President, and the host must be present),” she explained.

Castro said Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso was present as host of the event, which was held in Manila, while San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora attended in his capacity as national president of the League of Cities of the Philippines.

“Sa Manila po ginanap kaya nararapat lamang po na si Mayor Isko Moreno ang sumalubong at tumanggap sa ating Pangulo (It was held in Manila, so it is only proper that Mayor Isko Moreno welcomed and received the President),” she said.

“Ang LGU mismo ang nakakaalam kung sino iyong mga benepisyaryo; nararapat lamang din pong pumunta si Mayor Francis Zamora (Since LGUs themselves know who the beneficiaries are, it is also proper for Mayor Francis Zamora to be there),” she added.

The 2026 General Appropriations Act bars officials from participating in the distribution of government assistance to prevent politicization or self-promotion.

Castro maintained that the officials’ presence in the event did not violate the provision, as they were not there for political purposes but to fulfill their roles.

Castro also said President Marcos is expected to be present in such events to demonstrate that the government is functioning properly and reassure the public amid ongoing challenges caused by the conflict in the Middle East.

“That is the event of the President… dapat makita siya, dapat nakikita ang Pangulo (The President should be seen),” she said.

“Ang pagpapakita ng Pangulo ay pagpapakita ng tiwala sa mga kababayan natin na kung anumang krisis mayroon tayo ay maari natin itong malampasan (The presence of the President shows confidence in our people that whatever crisis we face, we can overcome it),” Castro said.